Dan Mackenzie, the firstborn son of controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, has recounted the alleged physical and psychological abuse he experienced while growing up under his father’s strict religious teachings.
In an emotional radio interview with Massawe Japanni on Monday, October 26, 2026, the 24-year-old described a childhood marked by harsh punishment and religious practices he said were imposed on him and his siblings.
Dan revealed that when he was 12 years old, his father forced him to fast for an entire week without food or water.
“Kuna wakati nilikuwa na umri wa miaka 12, baba alinilazimisha kufunga kwa wiki nzima bila kula wala kunywa maji,” he said.
Translated into English, Dan said there was a time when his father forced him to go without food or water for a whole week.
Dan recounts beatings over church attendance
Dan also alleged that he was subjected to prolonged beatings whenever he resisted his father’s teachings or refused to attend church services.
He claimed that the punishment could last for up to three hours, describing the difficult conditions he experienced while growing up in the religious environment associated with his father.
“Ukikataa kwenda kanisani au ukionyesha uasi, unaweza kupigwa hata kwa masaa matatu mfululizo,” he said.
The remarks shed light on Dan’s account of life within the Good News International Church, which was founded by his father and later became associated with the Shakahola tragedy.
Says defying father saved his life
Dan further revealed that his decision not to follow his father’s religious teachings ultimately helped him avoid the events that unfolded in Shakahola, Kilifi County.
According to Dan, his refusal to follow his father’s position led to a breakdown in their relationship, with the preacher allegedly chasing him away from home and disowning him.
“Kukataa kwangu kufuata msimamo wake ndiko kulikoniokoa. Alinifukuza nyumbani na kunikana,” he said.
Dan said he later moved to Malindi, where he began working as a boda boda rider to support himself.
His account offers a personal perspective on the family experiences surrounding the controversial preacher, whose religious activities drew national attention following the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola.
Mackenzie’s son welcomes father’s conviction
Dan’s interview came after a Mombasa High Court ruling in October 2026 found his father guilty of murder in connection with the Shakahola case.
Rather than defend the preacher, Dan expressed happiness with the court’s decision, saying he also considered himself a victim of his father’s actions.
“Nimefurahi sana na uamuzi wa mahakama. Haki imetendeka kwa sababu hata mimi ni mwathiriwa wa vitendo vyake,” he said.
In English, Dan said he was pleased with the court’s decision because he, too, considered himself a victim of his father’s actions.
The conviction marked a significant development in the case arising from the deaths of followers linked to the Good News International Church in Shakahola.
Dan also spoke about how his childhood experiences and what he witnessed while growing up had affected his religious beliefs.
He said he no longer identifies with a religion and does not believe in God.
“Mimi sina dini na sauti ya Mungu siijui,” he said, adding that what he witnessed had led him to stop believing in God.
Dan’s revelations have renewed attention on the experiences of people who grew up within the preacher’s religious movement, as the Shakahola case continues to draw public scrutiny.
